Tag: music

  • 🎶 Join Iron Broo for a Spectacular Public Ceilidh in Aberdeen Music Hall! 🎉

    🎶 Join Iron Broo for a Spectacular Public Ceilidh in Aberdeen Music Hall! 🎉

    We’re kicking off 2026 with a night to remember! Iron Broo Ceilidh Band is delighted to announce our first public ceilidh booking of the year 2026—and it’s happening in the heart of Aberdeen!

    📅 Date: Friday, 9th January 2026

    Iron Broo Ceilidh Band will play the Music Hall, Aberdeen 9th January 2026

    🕗 Time: 7:00 PM – Late

    📍 Venue: The Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen

    🎟️ Tickets: Click here to buy now https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/music-hall-ceilidh-with-iron-broo/

    There’s nothing quite like a ceilidh to bring people together—and we’ve got a full night of foot-stomping tunes, energetic dances, and live Scottish folk music that’ll have everyone on their feet. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a total beginner, our friendly caller will guide you through all the moves. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm!

    Fit Tae Expect:

    • A high-energy live performance from Iron Broo
    • A mix of traditional and contemporary Scottish dances
    • Friendly atmosphere for all ages and experience levels
    • Licensed bar and refreshments available

    So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and join us for an unforgettable ceilidh night in one of Aberdeen’s most iconic venues.

    Dinna Miss Oot!

    Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so be sure to secure yours early.
    👉 Book your place now!

    We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

    – Iron Broo Ceilidh Band
    www.ironbroo.scot

  • Celebrate the Season in Style: Join Us at the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh on December 23rd, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Aberdeen

    Celebrate the Season in Style: Join Us at the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh on December 23rd, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Aberdeen

    The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by attending the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh on December 23rd, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Aberdeen? This enchanting event promises an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and camaraderie that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come. Here’s why you should mark your calendar and secure your spot for this fantastic holiday celebration.

    This page uses affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.

    1. Experience the Magic of a Ceilidh:

    Step into a world of traditional Scottish music and dancing as you experience the magic of a Ceilidh. The Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh brings together the rich cultural heritage of Scotland with the joyful atmosphere of the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a novice, the ceilidh offers a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the fun and celebrate the art of traditional dance.

    Iron Broo Ceilidh Band
    Iron Broo Ceilidh Band

    2. Embrace Festive Cheer: 

    The holiday season is all about spreading joy and happiness, and what better way to do that than by dancing and laughing with friends and family? The Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh provides the perfect opportunity to let loose and embrace the festive cheer. Whether you’re attending with a group or flying solo, you’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere of merriment and goodwill.

    3. Live Music That Moves Your Soul: 

    The heart and soul of any ceilidh lies in its music, and the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh will not disappoint. Prepare to be swept away by the lively tunes of traditional Scottish instruments like the fiddle, accordion, mandolin, Irish Banjo and songs. The captivating melodies will inspire you to hit the dance floor and twirl to the rhythm of the music.

    4. Create Lasting Memories: 

    Attending the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. From the energetic dances to the heartwarming moments shared with loved ones, the memories you make at this event will become cherished stories you’ll recount for years to come. Capture the essence of the holiday spirit and the joy of togetherness in a single night.

    5. Celebrate Local Culture: 

    The Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Scotland, providing a unique window into the traditions that have shaped the nation. This event is a chance to appreciate the artistry and history of Scottish music and dance, while also fostering a sense of community and belonging.

    6. Dress to Impress: – optional 🙂

    Don’t miss the opportunity to dress up and look your best for this special occasion. Pull out your finest tartan, kilts, and elegant dresses, and step into the Star Ballroom with a sense of style and sophistication that befits the grandeur of the event.

    7. Build Connections: 

    The Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh is not just about dancing; it’s also about connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for culture, music, and celebration. Forge new friendships, strengthen existing bonds, and revel in the unity that comes from being part of a joyful gathering.

    Conclusion:

     As the holiday season approaches, the Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh on December 23rd, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Aberdeen presents a magical opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Scottish culture, music, and dance. From the lively music that will set your feet tapping to the warm camaraderie that fills the air, this event promises an evening of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this enchanting celebration and create cherished experiences that will stay with you long after the festivities come to an end. Book your tickets, mark your calendar, and get ready to dance the night away in a celebration like no other!

    Don’t forget you get some of the finest Stovies and Macaroni & Cheese around from the Beach Ballroom’s chef and catering team. 

  • French Accordion Music for a Lockdown fantasy

    French Accordion Music for a Lockdown fantasy

    #Lockdownfantasy

    Aye, we are still in lockdown, and the summer holidays are likely to be cancelled for all of us. But that doesn’t mean we canna dream.

    Sit yourself down and get comfortable. Pour yer favourite tipple, close your eyes and pretend that you’re in Paris, or in the sunny south of France vineyard under a parasol, soaking in a golden evening. Enjoying your holidays. Not a care in the world.

    Music for the afternoon drinks reception at a wedding

    This is not strictly ceilidh music. But it’s great music on an accordion. Would be nice at an afternoon wedding reception. Gives things a bit of class does French accordion music. Goes well with fine food, coffee and vintage wines. It’s sophisticated and classy. It’s sexy but not in your face. It’s refined elegance from a humble country background. Organic and pure like the best Bordeaux wine. It’s red velvet on white lace. Ideal for your wedding drinks reception.

    The tune is called Réveil Musette and was written by André Lavignac and André Cior. I have it in a book published in 1952 but it may be much older.

    I think the translation of the tune title means Awakening Musette, or if you see Google translate it might be Alarm Clock Musette.

    Musette or Bal-Musette is thought of as sub-genre of Gyspsy Jazz music. It was common in different forms in France from the 1880’s. Originally it was played on a type of bagpipe ( a Cabrette) known locally as a Musette. Italians began to travel to France and brought with them the newly invented accordions Italy was so famous for. The music was almost always instrumentals for dancing and typically waltzes, tango and jazz. In the 1930’s Swing music or Gypsy Jazz came from the mixture of the Musette background with musicians like Django Rhineheart, Gus Viseur and Emile Vacher and many more.

    This music was famous throughout France until the 1950s. It was usually played by downtrodden musicians and was celebrated by the upper-classes. Bohemian things were very trendy among the elites when they were looking for excitement. The whore houses of Paris, like the ones of Buenos Aires did a lot for tango, musette, jazz music, and accordions. The best music sometimes comes out of the darkest places. A bit like ceilidh.

    You can find the music for this tune on page 182 of this book. You can find the book online or in some specialist music stores. Great to have if you like to play the accordion.

    3 Musette Recueil de 110 succés Book
    3 Musette Recueil de 110 succés Book
  • The Scent of Panic and the Smell of the Bog

    The Scent of Panic and the Smell of the Bog

    Panic buying Bog Roll? Difficult times at the moment folks. We are doing our best to get through the uncertainty and chaos. I hope you are safe and pull through this as well, whoever you are and where ever you are.

    Aside from the panic buying of bog roll phenomenon Iron Broo Ceilidh Band have had 10 weddings put on hold due to the Corona Virus, so far. What a mess. I really feel for the couples involved and understand their predicament. We are all working through this time in a way that helps us all move through it.

    Stay safe and don’t panic.

    There’s no shortage of negative news at the moment and today i thought i might try and lighten the mood a bit with a video. It’s a bit of a dig at all those selfish panic buyers out there, buying up toilet roll. WTF!

    People must be planning on shi**ing themselves thin. Maybe they just looked at their stocks and shares balance.

    A wee bit of a laugh during the epidemic of Bogroll (toilet paper) panic buying which appears to be sweeping the western world driving lots of people crazy. I don’t understand it and don’t want to. I came across this tune called “The Smell of the Bog” and liked the title so I learned it for this moment in time to commemorate the occasion. This tune is an Irish traditional one I understand. It would be a hornpipe though I like it a wee bit faster. And the Bog might refer to the toilet or the peat bog. The lovely accordion is a Saltarelle Clifden.

    You can download the sheet music to The Smell of The Bog from this site

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    On a serious note

    I hope this virus passes quickly and we all survive. My thoughts are with those in the more vulnerable groups who will need help during this epidemic. Which is why all this panic buying is actually a bad thing and if people weren’t so selfish we’d all get along much better. If someone bought all the hand sanitiser in the supermarket and cleared the shelves of the soap and wipes, ask yourself this? What use is it to them if they are surrounded by people who have caught the virus because they were unable to clean their hands properly? To get through this we have to think as a collective and not individuals. All our actions have consequences that may be unseen and unrealised.

    We are all vulnerable.

    There’s mair than a roch wind blawin’ through the Great Glen of the World the day.

    Once this state of affairs has passed we all hope that many countries will have used the time to reflect on how things have been done in the past. I think things won’t go back to the way things were. I hope there is a rebalancing of justice and equality and an end to the corrupt hierarchy that has been destroying our planet and all our chances of a peaceful and comfortable way of life for us all. I live in hope.

    We all deserve to be able to wipe our own arses with bog roll 🙂

  • The Left-Handed Fiddler

    The Left-Handed Fiddler

    The Left-Handed Fiddler is a well-known traditional Scottish tune written by James Scott Skinner, who is an iconic Scottish fiddle player from Banchory. (1843-1927) Skinner rose to fame during his time and left a vast legacy of music with his own compositions and collections that are still played widely to this day. Skinner gave himself the nickname “The Strathspey King”. He was quite a character and there’s a good article on him here for further reading. https://www.folkworld.de/25/e/skinner.html

    Skinner’s Tune – for George Taylor.

    My neighbour David Cumming had heard that Skinner wrote a tune for a relative of his. It was called “The Left-handed Fiddler”. Because he was not familiar with the tune I learnt it for him and recorded another YouTube video. I was pleased Dave liked it and he sent it to his relatives around the world.

    The Left-Handed Fiddler

    The next day, a relative of his asked if his name was ever mentioned in music scores, “George Taylor”. So I had a quick Google and discovered quite a few things.

    George Taylor was a left-handed fiddler who also had a son called George who was also a left-handed fiddler. The author of the tune, Skinner had a father who was also a left-handed fiddler due to an accident that meant he had to relearn and play left handed. There are some who thought that Skinner wrote this tune for his father, but that has been dismissed by reliable sources on the internet who agree it was for George Taylor.

    J. Murdoch Henderson’s tune – George I. Taylor.

    The next morning I then also discovered that there is another tune written for George Taylor, though I’m not clear if it is for the same person, It may be that the father is George Taylor of the tune “Left-Handed Fiddler” and George I. Taylor is the son. In either case, it’s quite exciting in my mind to find this extra gem of musical history.

    George I. Taylor – Strathspey

    The tune “George I. Taylor” was written by J. Murdoch Henderson, from New Deer (1902-1970) and moved into Aberdeen to teach Maths. He loved to play fiddle but had some difficulties in playing as he injured both wrists in a childhood accident. He collected and wrote many tunes and published them. One of Henderson’s books I am aware of is called “The Flowers of Scottish Melodies”. It’s out of print now and I don’t seem to be able to source a copy. It’s the sort of book that will be lying someone’s house, hidden in a piano stool or in a second-hand shop. George I. Taylor is in this book.

    The same time I discovered this tune I become aware that there is an online trend I was not aware of, it was #playastrathspeyday. Well, George I. Taylor is a strathspey. David, of course, wants to hear the tune so I drop what I am doing and learn the tune and upload it to the net. The morning after the official play a strathspey day, but, better late than never. 🙂

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